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Mortgage Market Update
Jeff Naylor
Naylor Home Loans powered by Barrett Financial Group
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Home prices rising, but builder confidence is slipping |
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This week brought mixed signals from the housing market — some encouraging news on prices and sales, but also signs that builders are feeling the squeeze. Here's what matters for your wallet.
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National Mortgage Rates · October 20, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
7.33%
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Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED
Rates shown are national mortgage index rates and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.
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Refinancing Strategy
When does refinancing actually make sense?
A lot of people think refinancing is only worth it if rates drop dramatically. But there are other reasons to refinance that have nothing to do with the rate environment. Maybe you want to shorten your loan term to pay off your home faster, or switch from an adjustable rate to something fixed and predictable. Some borrowers refinance to tap equity for a major expense, or to remove mortgage insurance once they've built enough equity. Each situation is different, and the math looks different for each one. The key is understanding what you're actually trying to accomplish, then running the numbers with those specific goals in mind.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
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1.
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Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).
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2.
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If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.
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3.
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Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.
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Mortgage News Daily
Home price appreciation picked up a bit more speed in July, with national indices showing stronger growth than earlier in the year. However, the gains remain modest compared to historical norms, and they look even smaller once you account for inflation.
| Key takeaway: if you're thinking about selling, momentum is still on your side, but don't count on dramatic appreciation in your local market. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
Home builders are increasingly worried about their prospects, citing higher mortgage rates, rising construction costs, and a shortage of workers. Builder sentiment reached its lowest point in over three years, suggesting new construction may remain a challenge for the market.
| Key takeaway: if you're looking to buy new, builders may be more motivated to negotiate as their confidence weakens. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
Contracts signed on existing homes rose slightly in August, with strength in the South and West outweighing weakness elsewhere. The overall market remains softer than a year ago, but the small uptick suggests some buyers are still moving forward.
| Key takeaway: the market isn't booming, but it's not completely stalled either — there's still activity if you're ready to make a move. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
Sales of newly built homes jumped 6.4% in August and climbed back above the 600,000-unit mark after a soft July. While sales remain slightly below last year's pace, the rebound suggests the new construction market is stabilizing around its longer-term average.
| Key takeaway: new home sales are settling into a predictable pattern, which makes it easier to plan your next move without worrying about wild swings. |
Read full article →
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Jeff Naylor team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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4800 NW Camas Meadows Drive Ste 260, Camas, WA 98607
503-358-6551 | www.naylorhomeloans.com
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